TOTAL ON BOARD:

44 - Eight crewmen, and thirty-six passengers, including three civilians

WHEN:

January 26, 1950
WEATHER:

Low clouds, fog, drizzle. Low temperatures.
FLIGHT ROUTE:

Enroute from Elmendorf AFB - Alaska, to Malmstrom AFB - Great Falls, Montana.

AREA BELIEVED CRASHED

The plane’s final destination was Biggs AFB near El Paso, Texas. The missing plane was last heard from over Snag, 10 miles into Yukon territory from the Alaskan border.
REASON FOR FLIGHT:

Transportation of personnel
TYPE OF PLANE:

Douglas C-54D “Skymaster”, #42-72469, powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-2000-11 engines
SEARCH EFFORTS:

The subsequent search was dubbed “Operation Mike”, a name taken from the missing plane’s commander, 1st Lt. Kyle E. McMichael.
CONTROVERSY:

Despite one of the largest searches until that time, no trace of the plane, or its personnel, have been found.